A trip with your dog needs planning a few weeks ahead. Papers, health, transport, accommodation: here is a list to follow point by point, so that you can leave with peace of mind and help your dog feel at home somewhere new.
A few weeks before you leave
Papers
- Identification. Check that your dog is properly identified, by microchip or tattoo, and that your details are up to date in the national register. In France, this is the I-CAD register.
- Health record or passport. Check that vaccinations are up to date. To travel to another country of the European Union, you need in principle a European pet passport and a valid rabies vaccination.
- The rules of the destination country. Some countries ask for an extra treatment or tests, with precise deadlines. Find out early from your vet and on official websites.
- A tag on the collar with your phone number, in addition to the microchip.
The vet visit
A check-up before you leave is a good idea, especially for a long journey or an older dog. Tell the vet about your destination: depending on the region, they may advise protection against certain parasites. If your dog copes badly with car travel, ask how to help them. Do not give any medicine without their advice.
Accommodation
Check that pets are accepted, and on what terms: extra charge, dog size, access to an outdoor space. Also note the nearest vet's surgery and its opening hours.
Your dog's bag
- Their usual food, for the whole stay and a few days more. A change of food on a trip can upset their digestion.
- Their bowls, and a collapsible bowl for the road.
- A bottle of water, especially for the journey.
- Their lead, their harness, and a spare lead.
- Waste bags.
- Their usual medicines, with the prescription.
- A towel for paws and a wet coat.
- Their favourite toys and a chew, for waiting moments.
- Their health record or passport.
- A recent photo of them on your phone, useful if they were to get lost.
Their place to sleep
In an unfamiliar place, the smell of home is reassuring. If their bed fits in the boot, take it. If not, take at least their blanket or a piece of clothing you have worn, without washing them before you leave.
When you arrive, set up their bed straight away, in a quiet corner of the room where you will be. They will know where to settle from the first evening. If you travel often, a washable zipped cover is practical: you wash it when you get back without touching the foam. You will find our dog beds and sofas in the dog collection.
The journey
By car
- Secure your dog with a harness attached to the seat belt, or put them in a well-fixed travel crate.
- Take regular breaks, about every two hours, so that they can drink and stretch their legs. Keep them on the lead at service areas.
- Give them their meal a few hours before leaving, rather than just before.
- Never leave them alone in the car, even less in hot weather.
If they are not used to the car
Before a long journey, get them used to it in small steps. Settle them in their place with the engine off, and reward them. Then drive for a few minutes, and finish with something pleasant: a walk, a game. Lengthen the time bit by bit. A dog that links the car with good moments often travels more calmly.
By train or plane
The rules vary by company: dog size, bag or travel crate, muzzle, ticket. Read them before you book, and keep a copy to hand on the day of departure.
At your destination
- Start with a walk, so that they discover the smells of the area.
- Keep their usual meal and outing times, as far as possible.
- Avoid leaving them alone for the first few days in a place they do not know. If you have to go out, our guide to leaving your dog alone without stress helps you prepare for these moments.
- In summer, adapt outings to the heat. Our guide to dogs and hot weather gives the guides.
In short
- Check identification, vaccinations and, for travel abroad, the European passport and the country's rules.
- Pack their usual food for the whole stay.
- Take their bed or a textile that smells of home.
- By car: harness attached or crate secured, regular breaks, never alone in the vehicle.
- Note the nearest vet to where you are staying.